24 Free Task List and Checklist Templates (Word | Excel

Some people cannot get organized if their life depended upon it. They try, but every day, whether it is at home or at the office, they just can’t complete the tasks they need to do.

That is where a task list comes in handy. These little lists can be made up quickly and help you stay focused and on track. To help you get organized, keep reading as our article will help you create doable task lists.

What Is a Task List Template?

This is a simple form that helps you list your tasks in the proper order. There are many different designs depending on the time frame the list will cover. You can write one for each day, each week, or each month. It is up to you how you list your tasks.

The template’s job is to help you get organized and gives you a chance to feel good when you mark off a completed job or chore. Plus, it helps you to prioritize those tasks, so the most important ones are done at the right time.

The template is an organizer that makes sure you use your time productively.

Task List Templates

Why a Task List is Important?

There are several reasons why the task list is important. Here are a few of them:

• It helps you remember important tasks
• You can organize your thoughts better
• Productivity increases
• Helps you to plan your day and week better
• The list helps you to focus on your duties
• You can do tasks in their proper order and not repeat any of them
• Helps you cut out trivial activities that waste your time
• You can divide big tasks into smaller more manageable ones
• It helps decrease stress
• Gives you a sense of accomplishment
• You remain in control of your day, etc.
• Helps you achieve your goals

Essential Components of a Task List

The essential elements help you organize your day and get you focused on what is important and what needs to be done first. To achieve your goal, you need the following essentials:

• Have a balanced list- have a combination of important and not so important tasks to get done
• Be flexible- make sure to have a plan B in case something goes wrong with one of the tasks. Being rigid won’t allow you to finish your tasks in time
• Add in transition times- this is extra time you need between tasks to get ready to do the next one on your list. Always be realistic with task and transition time
• Don’t overload the list- This is a common mistake made by task planners. Be realistic and know how much you can do on any given day.

How to Create a Task List to Boost Your Productivity

Creating a task list is not just sitting down with pen and paper and writing out a bunch of job names or chores that need to be done. You need to think about the tasks that you need to do and organize them in a fruitful manner.

• Separate the important from the trivial – in other words, do not schedule unnecessary tasks. Get rid of any activities that you do not have time for
• Be patient – take your time in creating your list and think each task through to make sure they belong on the list and you have time to get them done
• Do the important tasks first – that way you have the energy and cognitive ability to focus on them and get them done right
• Time your reoccurring tasks – keeping track of the time it takes to do those tasks helps you plan your day better
• Put similar tasks together – group them as it will be easier to do all of those in succession than it would be if you switched from one type to another and back again
• Break large tasks down into smaller components – this will make the task easier to handle
• Do some of the prep work in advance – this will speed up your day and allow you to get some tasks done quicker
• Question yourself – ask if you have everything on your list that needs to be there; is it the first task that needs to be done; are the tasks too big and need to be broken down into smaller sizes; are the tasks free from distractions

Getting organized is more than just writing a task list. You have to be disciplined enough to follow that list and get the work done. Also, you will get better as you get more experience working with a task list. Just know your limits and plan accordingly